ICC Note: As the world watches negotiations taking place in Geneva concerning Iran’s nuclear program, an American-Iranian pastor remains in prison because of his faith. Congress took another step forward this week as the House Foreign Affairs Committee approved a resolution calling for Pastor Saeed’s release. The measure will now go to the full House for a vote. The human rights issues in Iran are well documented and reform on these issues, particularly the persecution of religious minorities should be a central part of diplomatic negotiations with Iran’s government.
11/22/2013 Iran (Mohabat News) – On Wednesday (Nov. 20) the House Foreign Affairs Committee approved a bipartisan resolution condemning Iran’s persecution of religious minorities and urging Abedini’s immediate release. The resolution will now go to the full House.
The Senate unanimously passed a similar resolution Nov. 14.
The U.S. and Iran are conducting talks in Geneva aimed at reining in Iran’s nuclear program, and those backing Abedini hope the time is right for his freedom.
“It is important especially with the nuclear negotiations in Geneva that Congress speak out with one voice on behalf of pastor Abedini in support of his immediate release,” said U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, a New Jersey Republican.
The House and Senate resolutions follow Abedini’s transfer from Evin Prison, a facility for political prisoners, to Rajai Shahr Prison. He is now held in a ward for rapists and murderers, according to the American Center for Law and Justice, a law firm that represents Abedini’s wife, Nagmeh. Abedini has been allowed visits from his Iranian family, who have confirmed he is alive.
The Iranian government sentenced Abedini to eight years in prison after convicting him of “undermining” the government by spreading his religious beliefs. Abedini had previously worked with house churches in Iran; in 2012 he helped at an orphanage and visited family.
Smith said that Abedini promised the Iranian government he would not proselytize — and that Abedini had upheld his side of the bargain.
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